Coastal storms, including hurricanes, can and do affect New York City. It's important New Yorkers are prepared to respond quickly:
1) Find out if you live in an evacuation zone. If you live in an evacuation zone, you may have to leave your home during a hurricane. Zones are color-coded and labeled A, B and C based on how storms of different strengths will affect them (learn more about evacuation zones). The best way to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane evacuation is to plan ahead. To find out if you live in an evacuation zone, use the City's online Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder OR access your home borough map (in PDF) from the list below and use the zoom tools in Adobe Acrobat to find your location.
2) If you live in an evacuation zone:
- Know where you will go in the event of an evacuation order. The City strongly recommends evacuees stay with friend or family who live outside evacuation zone boundaries.
- For those who have no place to take shelter, the City will open hurricane shelters throughout the five boroughs. Evacuees in need of shelter should first report to an evacuation center. Go back to the maps linked above to locate your nearest evacuation center.
- Have your Go Bag ready.
- Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit in event you do NOT have to evacuate. Depending on the size and strength of the storm, your evacuation zone may be safe from storm surge flooding. City authorities will use local radio and TV broadcasts to specify which zones should evacuate in the event of an approaching hurricane.
3) If you do NOT live in an evacuation zone:
- Be prepared to shelter in place, or stay at home, for several days without water or power.
- Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit.
Learn more about Coastal Storms and Hurricanes in New York City
